What is a “Day In The Life” session? | Documentary family photography explained
Often when I tell people I’m a documentary family photographer they nod their heads, and say something like, “oh cool” and I’m pretty sure they don’t really know what the hell I’m talking about. And when I go on to explain - “I’m like a photo journalist for your family. Everything I shoot is unposed and undirected. I just come and hang out for a day with my camera and document your real life and what it looks like right at this moment in time”
And then they go either “ooooh REALLY cool!” or else they wrinkle their noses and shudder and say “ I wouldn’t want anyone to see into my life like that”
Either reaction usually comes with a bunch of questions, so here are a few answers.
What is Documentary Family Photography?
The factual, artful visual documentation of your family, just as it is. No direction. No posing.
You may have seen or had a lifestyle photography session before, where the photographer gently sets up a scene in nice light, gives you a few prompts and then makes candid photographs of family interactions. This is not that. This is unfiltered, REAL life. I don’t tell you what to do or advise on wardrobe, or tell you to go and play over there where the light is good. While of course I’ll be interacting with you and chatting during our the time we spend together, I am really there as an observer of your life. I aim for each frame to tell the story of you, as you go about your day.
I am drawn to photographing the little in between moments, the tiny details that make your life so unique, and also the bigger moments. The weirdness and quirkiness of children, the all consuming nature of parenthood, the messiness and beauty and sweetness of being human.
Why?
This is the question usually asked by the nose wrinklers. WHY on earth would I want to have photos of my every day boring life?
When you look back at your photographs in 10 years, 20 years, 40 years. When your children look at them, and your grandchildren, what is it that you want them to see? What do you want those photographs to say to them? What do you want them to know about your life?
I want my photographs to hold stories and personalities and family histories. I want them to transport you back in time to feel what you felt. I want you to see some personal trinket in the background of a picture that sparks a memory and a story to tell your grandchildren. I want your great-grandchildren to feel a sense of connection to you, even if you’re no longer around.
What do we do during a Day In The Life session, and where do we do it?
Anything you like! Anywhere that floats your boat! There is no rule for Day in the Life Sessions. Whatever you usually do in your regular day to day life, or something special you want to do as a family and have photographed for posterity. It’s really up to you.
With a Day In The Life session there is the time and space to document your family in a few different places. I adore photographing people in their homes on a random day, with no particular plans, where everyone is the most comfortable and the surroundings reflect a bit of who you are. I also love tagging along to dance class or on a trip to the grocery store or go with you on an adventure somewhere new and exciting.
Special occasions, birthdays, grandparent visits, days at the lake with all the cousins, are also memories worth keeping.
Why are your sessions so long?
Simply put: the longer the session, the better the photographs.
It always takes a little bit of time for self consciousness to fall away and authentic being to happen, even for those people who are naturally comfortable in front of a camera. After a little while, the kids stop hamming it up, or hiding behind your leg, and we just get on with being.
If the length of a session is making you nervous, know that there is no pressure to perform when I’m with you. You can take time out for a nap, turn on the tv to catch the game, or just go and close your door a take a little time out. The kids aren’t required to behave, be happy, or do anything at all for the camera. You can all be hanging out together, or each doing your own thing in a different space. The more time there is, the more accurate a reflection of your life.
(On the odd occasion I offer shorter sessions, I announce them in my newsletter - you can sign up here.)
But seriously, what about all the mess? I live with kids!
So do I! And also with my own ADHD and disorganization. This is a totally judgement free zone. Besides, I kind of like a bit of mess. There’s a story in the things around you. You may not realize it now, but the details you think are insignificant now, may be the most meaningful later.
I want you to feel comfortable when I’m with you. If that means tidying up, go for it. But you can know with certainty, that back at my house, there an overflowing pile of unfolded laundry and something crusty on the kitchen countertop. Truth.
My kids are grown / I don’t even have kids. Can I still do a Day In The Life session?
YES! Kids are not a pre-requisite for a Day In The Life session, or documentary family photography. At any stage of life, with or without other people / pets / things - …..
What do we do with our Day In The Life photos when we get them?
Excellent Question! So many things, friend! So many things. What you definitely don’t do, is leave them to languish somewhere in the cloud where you won’t see or enjoy them.
I make it part of my bespoke service to ensure that your photographs will live with you in your daily life, in an heirloom album, on the wall, or in a collection of fine art prints. Once your Day In The Life session is edited and ready, I’ll guide you through choosing your favorites and how to display them. I’ll design it all for you and hand deliver your photo stories to your home. Digital backups are always available too.
Want to know more? Check out this blog post about my heirloom albums and prints.
If you have any more questions about what sessions are like, or you just want to interrogate me about my ridiculous laundry pile, get in touch! You can contact me through the form or just drop me an email. deborah@deborahbarak.com. I promise to get back to you!